Sport

Phoenix rise from the flames after official opening of new gym

THEY have gone from pillar to post and back again many times over the past 15 months, but finally Phoenix Boxing Club in Lurgan have moved into their new home.

Last Tuesday night marked the official unveiling of their new purpose-built facility at St Peter’s GAA club, having been left homeless following an arson attack on their previous premises in February 2016.

At the launch, representatives from the two clubs were joined by colleagues from the boxing and GAA communities, including officials from the Armagh County Board and Armagh/Down, Ulster and Irish Amateur Boxing Associations, as well as representatives from the new facility’s design and build teams.

Also present were officials from Sport Northern Ireland, which provided investment through its National Lottery-funded boxing investment programme.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Jimmy Magee, official with St Peter’s GAA Club, acknowledged the support and commitment of all involved, but especially Sport NI and the National Lottery for believing in the project in the first instance and providing the necessary funding to deliver it.

Sport NI chairman George Lucas added: “Phoenix Boxing Club, in collaboration with St Peter’s GAA club, has done excellent work to promote boxing and physical activity to the local community in Lurgan.

“Sport Northern Ireland is pleased to be supporting the club and its volunteers through the development of this new purpose-built boxing hall.”